My Trip to Japan

Dedicated to building New Zealanders’ knowledge and understanding of Asia

Work in five main areas: business, arts/culture, education, media and research

Provide scholarships and opportunities that provide New Zealander’s with firsthand experiences of Asia and forge valuable links

Schedule for the Week 7 days: Four days in Tokyo and three days in

Kyoto

Day 1: Meiji Shrine, Yogiyogi Park, Harajuku, Cat Café

Day 2: NZ Embassy, Roppongi Hills Tower, Yakatabune – boat trip view of Sakura and Sky Tree, Karaoke

Day 3: Tsukiji Market, Hamarikkyu Garden, Tokyo Edo Museum, Asahi Shimbun – newspaper company and discussion with the editor

Day 4: Kamagaya Junior High School, Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park, Shibuya

Day 5: Travel to Kyoto, Kiyomizu temple and surrounding areas, Dress up in Kimono, Stayed in traditional Japanese house and slept on Futons

Day 6: Arashiyama – bamboo forest, Nishiki Market, Kinkakuji, Nijo Castle

Day 7: Travel back to Tokyo, Discussion and reflections

Through interacting with and observing the Japanese in a variety of settings throughout the trip, I experienced interesting insights and knowledge into their culture. Many of my observations I simply would not have been able to experience if I had simply come on a holiday to Japan. This is because the majority of people I spoke to had links with Fiona, making them much more willing to speak openly about their country and culture. A highlight of the trip for me was the discussion at the New Zealand Embassy with Ambassador Sinclair, Paul Roberts, Rebecca Adams I came away very informed as to why it is so essential for strong ties to be made between Asia and New Zealand.

The learning that took place during my time in Japan was vast. I took a lot away from the experience, not only in regards to my newfound knowledge of the Japanese culture but towards the way I view differences. Prior to this trip I was determined to be open to all aspects of Japanese culture including food, dress, mannerisms, and social behaviours etc. 

During my trip I experienced many aspects of Japanese culture which were vastly different to those I would have experienced back home in New Zealand, and despite my best efforts my mind began to close up at times on the journey. From time to time I caught myself thinking how strange, weird or odd it was that particular rules and customs were present in Japan. This 'labelling' was simply me comparing these new experiences to those I had had previously, while holding a mindset that my previous experiences were 'right' and that these new experiences were 'weird or strange.' It would have been easy for me to have held true to this closed mindset but I probably would have left the experience filled with judgements about rights and wrongs between the two countries. However I caught myself in this rigid way of thinking and rather than reacting to it, I saw facing my judgements as an opportunity for growth. I hope to model and share this shift in my perception of difference with both my students and colleagues.

Reflections…

OutcomesBig Idea: Children need to be equipped with

the skills that will enable them to engage with Asian cultures

What does this mean for…- Us as educators?- The children of Eastern Hutt at each level?- Our environment?